Send us a text

Mandy Gardner, the dynamic head coach now leading Miami (OH) softball into a bold new era, shares her journey from elite pitcher to respected D1 leader. Raised in a Southern California sports powerhouse family — her dad coached NBA players like Klay Thompson and James Harden — Mandy’s story is packed with purpose, passion, and persistence.

She opens up about her path through top-level travel ball, an early commitment to Michigan, her transfer to Maryland, and how those experiences shaped her coaching style. Mandy also reflects on the mentors who impacted her most — from Olympic athletes to coaching legends like Tony Bennett — and how her faith and family continue to guide her leadership.

Now in her first year at Miami, she talks about the challenge and reward of building a new culture from the ground up, why she values character over numbers, and what it means to truly connect with her players. Honest, energetic, and full of insight, Mandy offers a masterclass in leadership — on and off the field.

Twitter- mandygardner24

Website for our team: https://miamiredhawks.com/sports/softball
 

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach

Send us a text

With over three decades at the helm of Arizona softball and a record that includes 1,674 wins, 8 national championships, and Olympic gold, Coach Candrea’s legacy is undeniable — but his impact goes far beyond stats and trophies.

In this heartfelt and revealing conversation, Mike reflects on his journey from a junior college baseball coach to becoming one of the most respected figures in softball history. He shares how the game taught him to value connection over control, the player over the playbook, and growth over glory.

Digging into the emotional side of coaching — how to lead with empathy, how to prepare athletes for pressure, and how today’s game challenges both players and mentors in new ways. From changing the culture of the sport to mentoring the next generation, Coach Candrea opens up about the lessons that truly matter — on and off the field.

This episode is not just for softball fans, but for anyone who believes in the power of leadership, resilience, and lifelong learning.


Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach

Send us a text

Former college standout Natalie Castro has taken her hustle from the softball field to the business world as manager of Underground Bats. She shares her journey from slapping singles to running a nationwide sales team. Natalie talks about competitive pricing, connecting with customers, staying neutral in a political softball world, and what it means to truly give back to the game.

If you're into softball, small business, or just love a great underdog story—this one’s for you.

Who are we?

We are a small, local business driven by our community. We are an authorized reseller and offer the best selection of softball and baseball equipment including; Easton, Wilson, DeMarini, Rawlings, and Louisville Slugger. We have competitive pricing as well as an abundance of product knowledge. Besides equipment, we also offer team gear such as uniforms, bags, tanner tees, balls, bownets, etc. 

Looking to purchase?

Contact our manager:

Natalie Castro @ 480-745-0208 or [email protected]

IG: @ Undergroundbats

FB: @ Undergroundbats

X: @ Undergroundbats

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach

Send us a text

Former college and pro baseball player Tony Gilio shares the story behind Operation Player Assist, a platform designed to help athletes and families handle the rising costs of youth sports. From building a backyard batting tunnel to coaching D1 athletes (his own kids), Tony dives into parenting, coaching, fundraising, and why access to sports is more important now than ever.
Whether you're a coach, a parent, or a player navigating the travel ball world—this conversation will hit home.

Website: https://www.operationplayerassist.com/
Number: 708-261-5729 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574836882851
Twitter: @OpPlayerAssist
Instagram: @operation_player_assist
https://meetings.hubspot.com/tgilio

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach

Send us a text

Lauren Watts, current pitching coach at Southern Illinois and former Adelphi University standout, shares her journey from small-town Alabama to the college coaching world. She opens up about managing a young pitching staff, navigating pressure in high-stakes games, and the mindset needed to grow as both an athlete and a coach.

She dives into how tech like Rapsodo has changed the game, why it’s crucial to coach based on motor preferences, and what it really takes to build confidence in players. This episode is packed with real talk, coaching gems, and a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of softball.

Twitter:  @LaurinWatts
Website   https://siusalukis.com/sports/softball 

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach

Send us a text

Andrew Rich, the head coach of the Idaho State softball team, has led the program to new levels of success since taking over in 2021. Under his leadership, the Bengals have captured a regular season title and he has been recognized as Big Sky Coach of the Year.
Discussing his coaching journey, the program's recent accomplishments, his leadership style and the competitive culture he is building at the university. A close look at what it takes to build a successful team on and off the field.

Twitter: @Drew_Rich1221

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach

Send us a text

 Anise Romo, a standout college athlete balancing her softball career with a demanding mechanical engineering degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. They discuss discipline, leadership, and how to stay on top both on and off the field. 

Instagram: @anise.romo

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #playermindset #coach

Send us a text

Erin White, founder and head coach of Gear Up Catching, shares her background in catcher development and her focus on holistic athlete development. She talks about the evolution of softball, the importance of physical and mental preparation for players, and how she has turned her passion into a successful business. She also reflects on the softball industry, the dynamics between coaches and athletes, and the challenges of balancing personal growth with competitiveness in the sport.

Website:  www.gearupcatching.com
Gear Up Catching Instagram:   @gearupcatching
Gear Up Coach Academy Instagram:  @gearup_coachacademy

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach

Send us a text

 Amy Hogue, head softball coach at the University of Utah, shares her journey as an All-American player and her move to coach, where she has become the all-time wins leader in program history. She discusses the evolution of softball, the importance of team culture and how to deal with the challenges of transitions and recruiting. Amy also reflects on the balance between competitiveness and fun, and how to build an environment where players can grow both on and off the field.

Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach

Send us a text

Kate Malveaux, co-head coach of the Auburn Tigers softball team, shares her experience transitioning from Tennessee to Auburn and the process of building a competitive team. Talks about player development, the importance of culture within the team and how leadership and a winning mentality have been key in their successful start to the season. Also discusses the dynamics of coaching alongside her husband and the evolution of the program under her direction.


Auburn Softball Website: https://auburntigers.com/sports/softball
Auburn Softball X:  AuburnSoftball
Auburn Softball Instagram:  @auburnsoftball
Kate Malveaux X:  @KateMalveaux
Kate Malveaux Instagram:  @kmalveaux4


Produced by Yael Martin and Dalton Fisher, Fisher Multimedia LLC
FisherMultiMedia.com

#podcast #caughtup  #athlete #coaches #collegesoftball #travelball #clubsoftball #metrics #recruiting #hitting #playermindset #coach